The celebration had been going on ever since the announcement was made, it made the one after we retook Fillydelphia and Manehattan look like a kid’s birthday party, I finally made it back to my apartment after the debrief looking for some rest, but the more I heard the party going on in the streets, the more I realized that I needed a drink.

So I called everyone, Butcher, Rob, Tucker, and Rabbit. Everybody felt the same as it turned out, and twenty minutes later, I was showered and headed for the ‘Tack. The streets were crowded, ponies and humans partying like there was no tomorrow, except for all of us there would be more tomorrows than we could handle.

The joy was buzzing in the air like a stiff breeze as I walked through the doors, the music was booming, and the liquor was flowing. Everyone was waiting at a table as I walked up.

“Look at who finally showed up!” Tuck shouted over the crowd, a half-sloshed smile on his face, somebody got started early.

“Traffic was a bitch.” I slid into a chair, looking around at my friends, my family, “Guys, we made it.”

“Fuck yeah, we did!” Connor crowed

Jack pushed a whiskey over to me, “Ordered for ya Zack.”

I winked at her, “Thanks Jack,” I took a sip, the pleasant heat overtaking me.

“So, where do we go from here?” Dave asked.

“Wherever they send us next, I guess,” Rob answered.

“Not me,” I said.

Everyone looked at me like I’d grown another head, “What do you mean, Zack?” Tuck slurred a little, but his eyes were clear.

“I mean, I’m done. I wondered for a long time after I got hurt, why it happened, and all I wanted was to get back in the fight, when Celestia healed me up, I had my shot. Now I think it all happened so I could fight this war, for this place, with you fine people. But it’s time for me to hang it up.”

Everyone stayed quiet for a second before Rob spoke, “You’ve been a friend, and a teammate, we’ve kicked down doors together and seen the best and worst people have to offer. Through it all, you haven’t wavered; even after Scotty died, you stayed on time and on task. You’ve saved my life more than once; there’s no one on this world or ours that I’d rather have watching my back. I’ll miss you riding the line with you brother, but I’ll back you one-hundred percent.”

“Fuckin A’,” Ray added

Taz squeezed my shoulder, “We love ya brother, if it's the right move for you, then go after it all the way.”

“Hell yeah,” Ed said with a smile, lifting his glass, “Your story is a crazy one, redacted for all time, but we know the truth, you’re a fucking lion brother. To whatever comes next, we’ll always be right there with you, no matter the distance. We love you, brother… To Zack!”

“To Zack!” The table chorused, raising their glasses high.

I tried to keep the grin off my face, and the tears out of my eyes as my best friends thundered their support.

One out of two ain’t bad.

The night was a blur after that; we drank, we danced, I never would’ve believed Dave had moves like that, Rob got in a fight with some Marines, so we had to handle it. Jack ended up dancing on the bar to raucous applause from the crowd. Don’t ever let anyone tell the CIA can’t party with the best of them.

I poured myself into a cab after hugs from everyone, staggering up the stairs to my apartment, even through my alcohol-fueled haze I was flying high. I made myself a sandwich and settled onto my couch, staring off into space. It finally hit me, really hit me. The war was over, there wouldn’t be another life and death struggle, desperately trying to save lives while taking others, I wasn’t naive enough to think it was all done, there would always be evil in this world and the other, but in our own slice of hell, we’d clawed our way back to the light. Scotty would be proud, Raven too.

I leaned over, stretching across the couch. I’d be sleeping here tonight, the room spun a little, but I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face.

Oh god, the pain.

My head was pounding, but I was alive. I dragged myself off the couch, heading for the shower. With that done, I gunned down two huge glasses of water and a plate of eggs, starting to feel somewhat normal. I wandered over to my big bay window, lighting a smoke and looking out over the square, sliding onto the window seat. The sun was high in the sky, and it seemed to shine a little brighter. The smells, sights, and sounds of the city drifted up to me, a pretzel vendor rolling his cart by, kids, both human and pony, ran around laughing. It was a beautiful scene, and I just let it take me over as I pulled on the cigarette. I don’t know how long I sat there, eyes closed, just breathing, it’d been so long since I’d just taken a minute to be. The cool breeze kissed my face, and despite my raging hangover, I smiled.

Somewhere inside, my phone went off.

No rest for the wicked.

I made it just in time, “Hello?”

“Hey, kid.”

“Frank, what’s the word, man?”

“Nothing, just wanted to congratulate you on a job well fucking done. I don’t know if you’ve been watching TV or not, Merrick and the Princesses signed the treaty this morning. Washington also sanctioned the Reds back to the stone age, heavily restricted militaries, limited trade, the whole nine yards, reminds me of the fucking Versailles treaty. NATO officially controls the portal now, they agreed to everything.”

“Jesus, fuck ‘em anyway.”

“Right? Listen, kid; I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You came so far, accomplished so much, and asked for more. I-I’m just real proud of you, son.”

“Thank you, Frank, you never doubted me, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to.”

“Don’t worry about it; I know kid.”

“Yeah.”

Frank cleared his throat, “Listen bud, there’s gonna be a party at the Embassy tonight, everyone is invited, Butcher, You guys, and Rabbit. The Princesses and the Ambo have requested that you all attend.”

“Well, how can I say no?” I wanted to, needed to see Tia.

“I figured, most everyone else has already signed off on it.”

“What time?”

“Guests are gonna start arriving around eight.”

“Right on, “ I glanced over at the clock; I had a few hours to kill, “I’ll be there.”

“Good, we’ll see you then. Later, kid.”

“Later, Frank.”

I killed the call and decided it was time for a walk.

“So, she must be a pretty special mare.”

I looked up at the jeweler.

“Yes, she is.”

“So we have a diamond and sunstone ring, is she a unicorn or a pegasus, there are some minor cultural variations in design.”

Both?

But a super spook always pays attention, and I knew that before her ascension, Tia had been a Pegasus.

“Pegasus.”

“Brilliant,” The old Unicorn said with a smile, “I should have the band done within the hour, the setting about two hours after that.”

“Outstanding, thank you. I’m going to go grab something to eat, can I get you anything?”

“Oh that's very kind of you son, I brought my own lunch today.”

“No worries, my friend, see you soon.”

I’d done my best to shake the hangover before wandering the city, looking for a jewelry store, I hadn’t had much trouble. Now it was time for a burger and some fries. The little diner was packed with people, some in uniform, some not. I smiled at a table full of Marines, getting a nod or two back before making my way to the counter, the teenaged earth pony stallion taking my order.

I munched on my burger, feelings the beginnings of butterflies; tonight was going to be big. I was going to keep my promise and ask her to marry me. Whatever that meant, I was ready, more than ready.

I finished up, tossing some bits on the counter and heading back to the street. I looped into the park, watching the families relaxing on the grass, tossing frisbees (thank you cultural exchanges), and just generally having a great time. I took a small measure of pride in knowing I’d had a hand in this peaceful scene. For a while, I just walked, admiring the quiet beauty. I was crossing a small bridge, heading back towards the shop, when a voice stopped me.

“Excuse me?”

I turned to see a Unicorn mare, a little older from the looks of it, grey starting peek out from the curls of her honey-colored mane.

“Yes? What can I do for you, ma’am?”

She sniffed, her lower lip quivering, “M-My son was killed in Manehattan, fighting. They told me that, that human medics tried to save him, never stopped trying to save him, I know you’re not them, but I saw you and I just…” Her voice broke as she trailed off.

I just moved, wrapping her in a hug, “Shh, shh, it's okay.” But it wasn’t.

She sobbed into my chest for a moment, “This was always my little Star’s favorite place when he was a colt.”

My heart sank, “Star? Star Chaser?”

She jumped liked she’d been electrocuted, “You knew him?”

I remembered the kid's easy smile, how kind he always was when I’d worked at the castle, I hadn’t known him well, but I could tell he was a good kid.

Goddamnit.

“I did. He was working the front desk when I stayed over at the Midnight Rise. I guess he enlisted; he always struck me as such a good guy. Helped me find a diner once when I was hungover, didn’t bat an eye, just pointed me in the right direction.”

She laughed despite the tears still flowing, “That sounds like him, always eager to help.”

“He was, and you should be proud of him.”

“I am,” She whispered.

“So am I,” I closed my eyes as we broke the hug, “I know that I can’t say anything to ease the pain you’re feeling, but believe me when I say that your son died a hero, his death and his life mattered. No one will ever be able to take that from him.” I wiped my misty eyes.

“Thank you,” She whispered, “It’ll never bring my baby back, but those words mean the world to me.”

She stepped up and hugged me again, “You live now, for my son and all of those who can’t, okay?”

It took all I had to hold back the tears, “I will, you too, for your boy.”

She pulled back, nodding, “I’m going to try, thank you for talking with me, it means so much.”

“It was a pleasure ma’am, “

She gave me a sad smile and turned, one last glance over her shoulder, and she walked away, leaving me standing there. I wiped the tears off my face, I would live for Star, and Scotty and Raven, and all of the ones who couldn’t, and I would remember them. We owed them that much.

I stared out over the small river, leaning on that stone railing, for a long time. There was so much pain here, but we would heal. I knew it in my soul. For now, I had an appointment to keep. My walk back to the shop was subdued, the old Unicorn smiled as he handed me the small velvet box. “Good luck, young man, and congratulations.”

“Thank you. Take care of yourself, my friend.” I walked out with a smile, checking my watch, I had some time, time to get ready for the biggest night of my life.

I sang like an idiot in the shower for the first time in what felt like forever. I was humming as I put on my suit, fucked up the double-windsor a few times, no worries. I finally got myself to looking passable with twenty minutes to spare. I was about to head down and flag down a cab when someone knocked on my door. I opened it to see Jack, dressed to kill.

“Well, you still clean up great Zack.”

“Thanks, Jack, you too, you my ride?”

“Yep, the rest of the boys are at the Embassy, figured I’d give you a lift.”

"Well, thanks, Jackie, so thoughtful.”

“Ha. Flattery will get you nowhere, Andrews.”

“Never did before, why start now?”

“C’mon, you fucking bozo; we’re gonna be late.”

Fifteen minutes later, we rolled in the front gate of the Embassy, piling out of the car and up the steps into the main hall. Christina, Celestia, and Luna were waiting for us; Butcher and Rabbit stood off to the side along with Rob and Tucker, all dressed to the nines. Jack bowed, “Good evening, your Majesties, may I say you’re looking lovely.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Carter, yourself as well, thank you so much for coming,” Celestia smiled, but her eyes never left me.

“Verily, You look a vision,” Luna added.

“Zack?”

I held Tia’s gaze, that little box burning a hole through my slacks, “Celestia?”

“I am so glad to see you, my friend.”

“Likewise, it’s been too long.” I got lost in her eyes, and nobody else existed for a moment.

“Hey guys, glad you found the place.” Frank popped around the corner with a bit of a tint to his cheeks.

Is Frank…Tatered?!

Celestia tried to stifle a laugh, hiding her smile behind her lacquered nails, “Well then, shall we head inside? I believe you two are the last to arrive.”

I gave Frank’s buzzed self an incredulous look, “Yes, Princess, let’s.

A couple of hours of mingling wears on a man, I’d been to Embassy functions all over the world, but hobnobbing with politicians got old no matter who you were. The highlight was getting to talk to Merrick, “So Majesty, how are you feeling?”

“Andrew, or is it Zack? Call me Merrick; I’d say you’ve earned it. Besides, I’m not totally comfortable with all the honorifics just yet. I’m well, signing this treaty has gone a very long way to easing my mind, things are progressing slowly as you know.”

“Fair enough, Merrick. Well, at least they’re progressing, a far cry from two weeks ago.”

“Agreed, my friend, I wanted to tell you, I’ve formally adopted Sonia. She will be a princess and next in line for the Throne.”

“That’s amazing, after all, she’s been through, that kid deserves a good life.”

“And I will do everything in my power to provide one. Speaking of lives yet to be lived, what’s next for my rescuer?”

“I honestly haven’t thought that far ahead. Taking it day by day now that the war is over and I can finally breathe.”

“Well, should you find yourself in need of somewhere to rest your head for a bit, the Palace is always open to you and your comrades.”

“Thank you, Merrick; I may take you up on that yet.”

Celestia came gliding up, “I apologize for the intrusion Merrick, may I borrow Zack for a moment?”

The Griffon smiled, “By all means, Celestia, Zack? Enjoy your evening.”

“You as well, my friend.”

Celestia slid her arm into mine and led me away, her perfume making me a little fuzzy as we swept by the crowd, who all bowed or nodded politely as we passed, I noticed Tia seemed to be picking up speed, but she still flashed that same beatific smile to the other guests. Around the corner, we went away from prying eyes. It was only then I noticed the blush on her face and the way her chest was heaving as she waved off her security detail.

Uh oh

She pushed me into a side office and attacked, crushing her lips to mine with a desperation and hunger that overwhelmed me, barely letting me breathe. She moaned into my mouth, pinning me to the wall, her hands running all over me. I’d like to think I gave as good as I got, but the Goddess was running the show. We parted after a few long moments, she stared into my eyes, panting, “I’ve wanted to do that since you got out of the car,” she whispered, attacking me again, almost growling into my mouth as she overran me. I changed it up, flipping us around and slamming her into the wall, kissing her back with equal fervor.

After a few moments of furious making out, we separated, and I tried to catch my breath while Tia fixed her dress and hair. Something about watching her put her regal persona back in place after she tried to eat me was beyond arousing.

“I’ve missed you too sweetheart before we go back out there, there’s something we need to talk about.”

“Oh?” She shot me a smoldering look, “Does it involve all of the absolutely criminal things I’m going to do to you later tonight?"

I tried to find my voice; it was a goddamn struggle.“No, it involves all of the absolutely criminal things I want to do with you, for the rest of my life,” I pulled the box from my pocket, and slipped to a knee, “I’m quitting Tia, tonight, I’m leaving it all behind, the only thing I see when I think about the future is a life with you.”

She gasped softly, those perfectly manicured hands coming up to cover her mouth, tears shimmering in her eyes as I opened the box. The old Unicorn had done a fantastic job, the dim light reflected the yellow-orange of the Sunstone and the prismatic effect of the diamond perfectly, too bad I couldn’t give a single shit about the craftsmanship at the moment, I only had eyes for the Goddess standing before me.

I tried, really I did, to come up with some flowery proposal, but words completely evaded me. “Celestia, will you marry me?”

The tears in her eyes overflowed, streaking her mascara, her eyes were glowing now, flicking between me and the ring. Finally, mercifully, she nodded, offering her hand. I slipped the ring on her finger, and stood pulling her into a hug, my own tears falling on her dress. I backed up a bit and kissed her, she melted into me, molding around me. I held her like that for a few long moments. She finally broke the silence, her voice faltering.

“I-I have been waiting for this moment for so long.”

I buried my face in her flowing mane, “From the first moment I saw you, I think I knew.”

“Are you certain, my love? About leaving your career?”

“I am, the war is over, I just want you, us, all of it. I’ll find something else.”

“And I will help you every step of the way if it’s what you desire.”

“As long as I’m with you, Tia, We’ll figure it out together.”

She sniffled, an adorably happy smile on her face, she was actually glowing, sending off little rays of light in the darkened room, “Well then my love, shall we go inform our guests of this new development?”

“You want to announce it?”

“Love, I want to shout it from the rooftops.”

I smiled, grabbing her hand, “Let’s go.”

Tia fixed her makeup with a flash of magic and shut the door behind us. We walked back into the hall, Tia’s voice rang out above the crowd, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I hate to interrupt, but I, excuse me, we have an announcement.”

Now she had their attention.

“You all know Zack Andrews, he has helped many of us in so many ways, both directly and indirectly, during his time in Equestria. For the past months, he and I have been engaged in a relationship, kept secret for both obvious and subtle reasons, tonight he has asked for my hand in marriage, and I have accepted.”

For a few moments, nobody breathed, and nobody moved.

Then the clapping started, slowly at first, and then the room absolutely erupted with cheers and applause. I felt warmth run through me as Tia grabbed my hand, her smile said it all. I pulled her in for a kiss, and the cheering only got louder, but my whole world was right in front of me.

A month later.

“Stop fucking fidgeting.”

“I’m trying, man.”

“How many doors have we kicked in together, since when do you get nervous?”

“Time-fucking-now bud.”

Tucker and I were in a small anteroom; he was trying to help me get my tie on straight. I was doing my best to stand still. But it wasn’t every day a guy got married. He slapped me lightly.

“Okay, it looks good; let's get a move on.”

I rubbed my cheek, “Fucking…” But followed him out and into the castle gardens, the entire place had been redone for the wedding, floral arrangements dotted the topiaries, chairs had been set up for the mass of people who had shown up, Tia had insisted on something private, and I’d agreed, friends and family only, but we both had a ton of friends and family, so it ended up being a wash.

An arch made from sunflowers was the centerpiece, Luna was already up there, she’d insisted on officiating, and nobody dared argue, not that I would have, she was family now. I walked down the aisle, smiling and thanking people for showing up, there were so many spooks in the crowd it almost felt like Halloween. I’d called in Dave, Ray, and Connor as my groomsmen along with Rob, Tuck had gladly taken the best man slot, four members of the Elements of Harmony stood opposite, Twilight Sparkle taking the position Mare of Honor.

Mom, Dad, and Jen sat front row center, Mom was already wiping her eyes, and the ceremony hadn’t even started. I hugged them all in turn before taking my spot under the arch, bouncing from foot to foot, brimming with nervous energy. Frank gave me a small wave, his wife Kat was dabbing at her eyes, but maintaining a million-watt smile, my second mom right there.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Luna’s smiling face, “Worry not dear friend, you look very dashing, I’m confident she won’t run… Immediately that is.”

I smiled, holding in an all-out laugh, “Damnit Luna…Thanks... for everything.”

She squeezed my shoulder, “I would not have it any other way… Dear, Brother.”

We shared a smile before soft music began to play, and I forgot where I was for a second. Everyone turned as Tia rounded the corner, a blaze white dress with a long train, held by two Elements of Harmony, Fluttershy, and Applejack. The dress was beautiful, with looping patterns of white lace in the shape of small suns trailing up her arms, the material seemed to capture the light, reflecting a pastel rainbow and making it clear that there was magic at play here.

It all paled in comparison to the mare that wore it, even under the veil she shone like her sun, this purple eyes that had captivated me so long ago, almost another lifetime, glowed softly, she never took her eyes off me as she slowly marched down the aisle to the ethereal tune played on flutes and bagpipes but the Royal Guard band.

I’ve been places most haven’t; I've seen the sunrise on five continents, experienced things that most people couldn’t imagine. But nothing I had seen or ever would, would ever compare to her. I have never loved anything more than I loved her at that moment. She completed her journey, standing across from me as the two Elements took their places, and the song came to an end.

After a moment, Luna began to speak, “Mare and Stallions, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have come to this sacred place, to see these two joined in a lifelong bond, one which will transcend any trial, no matter how perilous the strait. Theirs is a love forged in adversity, hard-won, and as unbreakable as the magic that binds our world. They began as friends and blossomed into a shining example of what love can achieve. Would there be a soul who would see them remain unbound?” She looked around the crowd, a murderous glint in her eye, almost daring someone to speak, I heard Jen trying to hold in a laugh, “Then let us proceed. Does Zack Andrews, in sight of friends and family, take Celestia Everfree, Princess of Equestria and Ruler of the Sun, to be his wife for as long as magic dwells here?”

I was shaking, but my voice was clear as I answered, “I do.”

“And does Celestia Everfree Princes of Equestria, and Ruler of the Sun, in sight of friends and family, pledge the same?

Her voice wavered, I could hear the tears she was holding back, “I do.”

Luna beamed, “Then let the Maker’s light shine upon your union, may you exist forever as one mind, one heart and one soul. You may now kiss the Bride.”

I lifted her veil slowly, my hands vibrating, inch by inch she was revealed to me, her eyes shining. Slowly, I leaned in, pressing my lips to hers.

We ended our first kiss as husband and wife to thunderous applause.

Author's Notes:

Donezo. Epilogue to follow later today, let me know how you like the re-write.